Abstract

At the DLR, a new method to determine buckling loads of imperfect shells has been developed using a perturbation
energy. Applying this technique, only one numerical buckling analysis containing the specific perturbation load (P1)
has to be performed. The outcome leads directly to the true and compared to other methods, less conservative load
carrying capacity. To do so, a mathematically function to work out P1, depending on the design of the cylinder is
necessary. The aim of this work is to gain more knowledge on the new method and to find general and arithmetical
relations between various parameters and P1.
The results of the performed parameter studies and collected experiences in [7] are shown in this contribution.